KISS Takes Center Stage in 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

View all of the KISS items here: KISS

So far, 2012 is off to a great start for KISS. There's 'The Tour' with Motley Crue this summer, Las Vegas visitors can put-put their way through KISS boots and wagging tongues, and recent national TV appearances on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, the CMA awards and most recently on 'Dancing With The Stars'  have put our masked marauders front and square in just about every living room.

And now there's the 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters on-line auction at Backstage Auctions, which is nothing short of a celebration of everything loud and heavy! With 1,250 auction lots to pick and choose from, the auction is dripping with the coolest stuff from Anthrax to White Zombie and just about every other legendary metal band from the past 30 years. In true form, KISS takes center stage with nearly 100 auction lots of their own, with the vast majority dating back to their 1970s glory years!

Fans and collectors will be able to boost their shrines and vaults with anything from rare t-shirts, authentic Christmas cards, posters and collectible vinyl, to Alive II tour used cabinets, Peter Criss and Eric Carr drum gear and even Ace's own Marshall amp.

A particular stand out are the 8 signed Christmas cards from the 1970s from Gene (3), Paul (3), Peter and Ace. They're rare, they're cool and they're 'Grade A' KISS relics, like this Paul Stanley card from 1977: 

KISS PAUL STANLEY 1977 SIGNED CHRISTMAS CARD

Paul Stanley had 4 exclusive Christmas cards made between 1977 and 1980. Featured here is the first one, from 1977, which shows Paul in Santa outfit, hidden behind a Paul Stanley doll. The over sized (gate fold) card, which is in excellent condition, is simply signed "Paul Stanley" and was addressed to Ken Anderson (Aucoin Management).

Paul Stanley Christmas Card 1977

Paul Stanley Christmas Card 1997 - Card Hand Signed

If you're into apparel, you can't pass up any of the 8 unusually rare mid 1970s t-shirts, which all stem from the day that the KISS merchandise machine was still a sputtering little engine. Instead of the nicely screen printed shirts and jerseys, KISS mostly relied on 'iron-on transfers'. The end result however are shirts that are far more unique and collectible, like this one: 


KISS 1974 LIVE VINTAGE T-SHIRT 

The 1970s were a golden era for KISS t-shirts. Their rising popularity was reason for a great many companies to create the coolest transfers and sell t-shirts through local record stores and outside the venues. As most of these transfers were made without an official license, these shirts were 'rare' the day they were offered. 45 years later, they are among the most desirable KISS collectibles.

KISS Iron - On Transfer T-Shirt 1974

Looking for something more in the 'Holy Grail' range - we've got that covered too. The Alive II/ Love Gun stage is without question the most visually impressive, photogenic set-up, from the illuminated stairs and fire-breathing dragons, all the way to the grill-covered Marshall speaker cabinets. And yes, there are two of such cabinets in the auction, such as this historic relic, which would look great in your KISS shrine, but can still be taken on the road with your KISS tribute band as well: 

KISS 1977/ 1978 AUTHENTIC 'LOVE GUN' TOUR USED MARSHALL CABINET

KISS Alive II / Love Gun Marshall speaker cabinet

KISS Alive II / Love Gun Marshall speaker cabinet
Ace Frehley not included.

Either way, you're going to be treated on an exciting collection of cool and vintage KISS memorabilia.

The online auction, starts April 21, 2012 and will run through April 29, 2012. A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning Saturday, April 14^th.

For more information and to get your VIP All Access pass for the event visit:  http://www.backstageauctions.com/catalog/auction.php

John Tempesta Offers Up 3 Decades of Skin Pounding Mayhem in The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

In a career spanning two decades, drummer John Tempesta has built a body of work that's deservedly earned him a place among metal's most popular and well-respected players. Perhaps best known for his tenure with Rob Zombie - both in White Zombie and with Rob's solo project - John worked his way up through the drumming ranks with an extensive resume that includes gigs with Exodus, Testament, Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society, Tony Iommi, Helmet and Scum of The Earth (which features John's brother, guitarist Mike Tempesta (who is also a consignor in the auction). And these days John can be found touring the world behind the drum throne of The Cult.

John has gone into his closet of rock relics and hand picked dozens of rarities from his days with White Zombie, Testament, Helmet and The Cult including heads, cymbals, sticks, passes, tour used clothing and accessories, photos and a super cool pair of Nike sneakers he used on tour with The Cult in 2011.  



WHITE ZOMBIE JOHN TEMPESTA SIGNED & TOUR USED DRUM HEAD
'Astro-Creep: 2000' is the fourth and final studio album by White Zombie. The album proved to be their most commercially successful recording, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200 with the aid of the popular hit singles "More Human than Human" and "Super-Charger Heaven". It is also the one and only album to feature drummer John Tempesta. Offered up for the 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction is the one and only, original kick drum head from the 1995 'Astro-Creep: 2000' world tour, which measures 24 inches in diameter and has been signed by John Tempesta. It has custom graphics, shows some (albeit light) wear and is overall in excellent condition. While this realistically should hang at the Rock 'n Roll Hall Of Fame, it can easily be displayed on your wall!

John Tempesta's White Zombie Tour Used Drum Head - Signed

Up Close and Personal - John Tempesta's Personalization - Now this Rocks!

TESTAMENT JOHN TEMPESTA 1993 SIGNED & OWNED LEATHER JACKET
Following his departure from Exodus, John Tempesta only had to travel a few miles south on I-80 to join fellow San Francisco thrashers Testament, with whom he would go on to record two albums between 1993 and 1994. Up for grabs in the auction is this very cool leather jacket, worn extensively by John during his Testament years, as can been seen in various photos from that time. The jacket is well worn and Tempesta signed the "inside" of the jacket with a silver marker.

Interesting side story:  Ian Astbury of The Cult happens to own a similar jacket, which he bought at the time from Billy Duffy (also The Cult), who worked at a Kensington Market (London) leather shop. Ian can be seen wearing this jacket in the official 'Love Removal Machine' video. Not only did Ian and Billy end up in the same band, but several years later John would join them as well. Either way, this is a cool jacket with great history and provenance in overall excellent condition!

The jacket is well worn and Tempesta signed the "inside" of the jacket with a silver marker. This jacket can easily find it's way into your personal arsenal of cool jackets' closet, can you just imagine the conversations that can be started by simply opening up the jacket and saying…"have I got a story for you".

John Tempesta - Testament Days Jacket

Inside of jacket bears John Tempesta's signature

THE CULT JOHN TEMPESTA SIGNED & TOUR USED CHINA CYMBAL

This Zildjian Oriental China 'Trash' cymbal has extensively been used by John Tempesta on recent The Cult tours. It measures 18 inches in diameter, is boldly signed by 'JT' and contains (easily) 100+ fingerprints from the master himself! The cymbal is in excellent condition and comes with a great (signed) 8 x 10 inch The Cult publicity photo.

John Tempesta Tour Used China Cymbal - The Cult 

John Tempesta signed China Cymbal - The Cult

Be sure and check out all of John's personal relics featured in the auction by simply typing JTP in the Auction Search Box. 

Each item offered comes with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by John.


The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding on Saturday, April 21st and come to a close a week later on Sunday, April 29th. For more information visit our Auction Page. Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get yourself a piece of metal history.

Click on the Auction tab at the top of the page to start feasting your eyes on John's relics! 

Charlie Benante Offers Up Big 4 Memorabilia in The 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Charlie Benante

Considered to be one of the best heavy metal drummers, Charlie Benante's mad drumming skills have been at the core of the Anthrax sound for nearly 30 years. He is known for having a very fast double kick technique and has been credited as one of the pioneers of double-bass, as well as with popularizing the blast beat technique with thrash metal. Our introduction to Charlie came through Scott Ian, who we had just signed as a consignor for our 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction. Charlie was all over the idea of pulling some of his personal rock relics out of his treasure chest and putting them up for auction. The 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will feature over a dozen personally owned and used Benante relics including heads, cymbals, sticks and super cool stage worn items.

Here are a few rockin' highlights:

CHARLIE BENANTE 2010 BIG 4 EUROPE SIGNED KICK DRUM HEAD
Fans will instantly recognize this custom 23" TAMA kick drum head, used extensively on the 2010 Big 4 European tour! This insanely rare piece can be seen countless times throughout the Big 4 official DVD, as well as in numerous pictures circulating the web and various print publications. There's not a lot more we can say to hype this up, as we feel it really creates its own 'Wow!' factor just fine on its own! The head is signed by Charlie Benante with a silver sharpie, making it even more incredibly unique and cool.

Charlie Banante 2010 Big 4 Europe Kick Drum Head - Signed

Charlie Benante doing what he does best!

CHARLIE BENANTE 2010 BIG 4 EUROPE 18" CYMBAL AND STICKS
Any drummer can wear out some drum heads, but it takes a real heavy hitter to punish a good cymbal. Enter Anthrax's Charlie Benante. This extensively-used 18" Paiste 'Rude' Crash/Ride cymbal endured many big hit during the 2010 Big 4 European tour, and bears the marks to prove it! This bad boy has a 1" crack in the edge from Charlie's playing, as well as multiple other dings and pings from his aggressive style of playing. Making it further unique is Charlie's signature, signed in silver. Additionally included is a pair of heavily used Vic Firth Charlie Benante signature drumsticks, each individually signed by Charlie.

Charlie Benante's 2010 Big 4 Europe 18" Cymbal and Sticks

CHARLIE BENANTE 2003 SIGNED & WORN STUSSY TOUR SHIRT
Anthrax had an exclusive contract with Stussy in early to mid 2000s, wherein Stussy printed a number of Anthrax shirts exclusive to the band members. Featured here is one of those shirts which belonged to drummer Charlie Benante. A unique 2-sided Large, this shirt has the Anthrax logo on the front and 'Benante 21' on the back. This shirt was well worn by Charlie during numerous Anthrax concerts, and is signed by Charlie with a silver marker, making it even more special and rare!

Charlie Benante's 2003 Worn & Signed Stussy Tour Shirt

Backside of Charlie Benante's shirt - now this ROCKS!

Be sure and check out all of Charlie's relics featured in the auction by simply typing CBT in the Auction Search Box. 

Each item offered comes with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Charlie.


The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding on Saturday, April 21st and come to a close a week later on Sunday, April 29th. For more information visit our Auction Page. Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get yourself a piece of metal history.

Page Hamilton Wears Only One Helmut - Offers Up Relics for The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Initially setting his sights on becoming a jazz musician and moving to New York in the early 80s, Page Hamilton discovered distortion and went a completely different yet highly creative direction. He co-founded the New York-based Helmet, fusing Zeppelinesque riffing with a vehement post-hardcore precision, augmented by dense chords and offbeat time signatures based in Hamilton’s formal jazz training.  The combination was one of the rarest of visionary creations. Page's artistry and musical talent has opened countless doors of opportunity and experiences, but he maintains a singular attitude which as he says is "really conducive to writing songs."

Page pulled out some really nice Helmut treasures for the 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction which include stage worn shirts, guitar straps, itineraries, picks, passes and his famous Oakley sneakers that he used on tour with Helmet for 5 years…imagine if shoes could talk!

Here are a few of Page's personal items up for grabs:

HELMET PAGE HAMILTON 2006-2011 STILETTO SNAKES TOUR USED T-SHIRT

Remember that favorite shirt you used to wear ALL the time? The one, that in time no matter how often it was washed, it still smelled a little dirty? Featured here is that shirt, owned and worn extensively on countless tours around the world, this shirt was a staple in Page's stage wardrobe from 2006 to 2011. The shirt is not damaged, though it does show significant wear and staining - especially left side which bears staining from a guitar strap. Also included with this shirt is a pair of well-used Nike sweatbands from Page. Both of these items are truly one-of-a-kinds! Bottom line: it doesn't get much cooler than this for Helmet fans!

Page Hamilton's Personal Stilletto Snakes Tour Used T-Shirt

Page practically lived in this famous t-shirt! Very Cool!

HELMET PAGE HAMILTON LOT OF 6 CUSTOM GUITAR PICKS

Okay pick lovers….featured here is a lot of 6 rare Helmet guitar picks direct from Page Hamilton's personal arsenal! These are custom guitar picks that Page uses exclusively. They are nice and thick, and no doubt help him dig into those strings to churn out some of those brutal Helmet riffs!

Page Hamilton's personal guitar picks, custom made of course. 

HELMET PAGE HAMILTON 2006-2011 STAGE WORN SHOES

This pair of Oakley 'Elite Special Forces Standard Issue' shoes was worn extensively by Page on numerous worldwide tours! Proclaimed his favorite shoes by Page himself, this pair of size 12s has literally carried Page around the globe! Shoes show some obvious wear around the toe areas and are in VG condition considering all the hours these bad boys spent on stage. What an awesome collectible for any diehard Helmet fan and quite the conversation piece, wouldn't you say. These shoes ROCK and so does Page!

Page Hamilton's Tour Used Oakleys 1006 - 2011.
 These shoes were made for Rockin!

The stories these Oakley's could tell!
Perhaps that is why Page is parting with them! 

Be sure and check out all of Page's relics featured in the auction by simply typing PHT in the Auction Search Box. Each item offered comes with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Page.

The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding on Saturday, April 21st and come to a close a week later on Sunday, April 29th. For more information visit our Auction Page. Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get yourself a piece of metal history.

Sean Yseult Offers Up Rare White Zombie Relics for The 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Sean Yseult

Having played various instruments with different bands over the past 25 years, Sean Yseult is most notably known for her bass work with White Zombie. She was with WZ for 11 years until they disbanded in 1998. Since then she has kept herself plugged into the scene working on projects and doing gigs with various bands and later formed Famous Monsters in 1995. In 2010, she published "I'm In the Band: Backstage Notes from the Chick in White Zombie". It's a striking visual memoir of her personal journey that took her from CBGBs to arenas, with the rare female perspective in a guy’s world of heavy metal, while playing with White Zombie.

If you have read Sean's book then you know the girl likes to collect and hold on to things, but she did find a few rarities to include in the Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction and all from the White Zombie days.

Here are a few of Sean's special pieces:

WHITE ZOMBIE 1996 SEAN YSEULT'S PERSONAL VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE CONCERT JACKET

This exclusive jacket was exclusive made by Cellar Door/ Pace Concerts Promotions for band and crew members only for the 'St. Valentine's Day Massacre' concert at the Lake Front Arena in New Orleans, February 14, 1996. White Zombie was the headliner (with Filter opening) and this jacket - a men's size Small - was given to and worn by Sean Yseult. It has cool embroidery in the front and left sleeve and is signed by Sean on the orange label.

Sean Yseult's White Zombie Valentines Day Massacre Jacket

White Zombie Valentines Day Massacre Jacket Signed by Sean Yseult

WHITE ZOMBIE 1985 SEAN YSEULT OWNED & SIGNED RARE 'VOODOO MOON' 7"

'Gods on Voodoo Moon' is the very first recording and release by White Zombie, released as an EP in 1985 under their own indie label Silent Explosion. Because the lack of funds at the time only 300 copies of vinyl were pressed at Macola Records Hollywood, California, 100 of which were sold while the others remained in the possession of the band members. There is no denying that this is without question the single most sought-after White Zombie record and we're simply ecstatic to be able to offer this dead mint copy, hand numbered #160/300. The front of the sleeve has been signed by Sean Yseult.

White Zombie's 1st Release - "Gods on Voodoo Moon" 

White Zombie's "Gods on Voodoo Moon" Mint Copy Numbered 160/300

WHITE ZOMBIE 1996 SEAN YSEULT OWNED & SIGNED FINAL TOUR PASS

This fantastic silk White Zombie tour pass was immaculately preserved by Sean Yseult as a memento from the band's final tour (1996). It is signed and in pristine condition.

White Zombie 1996 Final Tour Pass

WHITE ZOMBIE 2010 SEAN YSEULT SIGNED 'I'M IN THE BAND' BOOK

Released in 2010 as a soft-cover, 150-page illustrated book, "I'm In The Band" is an absolute must-read and must-own item! Richly illustrated with nothing but rare photos, handbills, flyers, posters and unusual notes, Sean Yseult provides a candid, in-depth and often funny look into the touring and recording years of White Zombie. This gorgeous book is nicely signed by Sean on the front and is in pristine condition.

Sean Yseult's Book "I'm In The Band"

Be sure and check out all of Sean's relics featured in the auction by simply typing SLT in the Auction Search Box. Each item offered comes with a certificate of authenticity personally signed by Sean.

The Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction will go live and open for bidding on Saturday, April 21st and come to a close a week later on Sunday, April 29th. For more information visit our Auction Page. Grab your VIP All Access Pass today and get yourself a piece of metal history.

Scott Rockenfield Keeping the Beat in the 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Most rock drummers are already a notch or two above 'the rest' as the average metal anthem is dictated by pace and complexity. Closer to the peak, you'll find those who distinguish themselves by mathematically near improbable rhythmic complexities that create visions of a mad scientist behind the kit. 

But once you're at the summit, you'll find the likes of Scott Rockenfield - (Queensryche), who not only possesses the required skills but also translates those in uniquely designed drum kits that in and by themselves become true rock relics.

Tour after tour, Rockenfield treats his audience to breath-taking kit designs that would leave you with that "If I Only Could" feeling. Well, now you can! 

Backstage Auctions is excited to be able to offer three of Rockenfield's classic kits, straight from his design table and offered up by Scott himself. 

QUEENSRYCHE SCOTT ROCKENFIELD 2008 FAMOUS "CHAIN" DRUM KIT

You have to go back all the way to the 1980s to first see Scott Rockenfield using his famous and trademark "chain" drum kit. At the time this was a revolutionary design but it eventually became Scott's true signature kit, admired and desired by fans and drum aficionados around the world. And as they say "back by popular demand", Scott re-introduced his updated and improved version of the "chain" kit on the 2008 Queensryche world tour.

Featured here is a brand new, limited edition full and complete "chain" kit, which is an exact reproduction of the original tour kit, as designed and built by Scott himself.

Scott Rockenfield's Chain Kit

Birds eye view of the Chain Kit - Scott Rockenfield not included.

QUEENSRYCHE SCOTT ROCKENFIELD 2007 OPERATION MINDCRIME' DRUM KIT

More of an 'Operation Mindcrime' fan? This release is arguably Queensryche's signature album from their already impressive discography. This platinum status rock opera concept album from 1988 can often been found in any random 'Top 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time' - and deservedly so!

Rockenfield is offering up his limited edition full and complete kit, which is an exact reproduction of the original tour kit, as designed and built by Scott himself and used for the 2007 'Operation Mindcrime' world tour.

 

Scott Rockenfield's 2007 Operation Mindcrime Drum Kit

QUEENSRYCHE SCOTT ROCKENFIELD 2009 "AMERICAN SOLDIER" DRUM KIT

Featured here is a brand new, limited edition 9-piece Queensryche drum kit, exclusively designed and built by Scott Rockenfield. The kit is made from 100% all maple drum shells and is exactly the same kit as used by Scott during the Queensryche "American Soldier" world tour in 2009.

Scott Rockenfield's American Soldier 2009 Drum Kit

Scott Rockenfield doing what he does best on the American Soldier drum kit.

These and other fine Queensryche collectibles will be part of an over-the-top celebration of rock and metal collectibles that you don't want to miss out on!

The online auction, starts April 21, 2012 and will run through April 29, 2012. A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning Saturday, April 14^th.

For more information and to get your VIP All Access pass for the event visit:  http://www.backstageauctions.com/catalog/auction.php

Al Jourgensen "Double Taps" in 2012 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters Auction

Al Jourgensen

"Uncle Al" was done, finished, finito! After Ministry's 2008 / 2009 "C-U-LaTour" tour, Al Jourgensen retreated to his El Paso compound to take a well-deserved break from 3 decades of unholy craziness. One more album he promised - which came in the form of the 2010 'Got Cock?". OK, one more then, when he embraced his country roots with 'Buck Satan and the 666 Shooters' release.

Meanwhile, Al emptied out his closets for the 2010 Rock Gods and Metal Monsters auction, which offered an avalanche of gear, instruments, clothing, accessories and other mementos.

"Fast forward...2012 and Al is back with more poise, piss and vinegar than ever before. Relapsing back to the peak of industrial metal, Ministry rages like the Rio Grande river......and the collective "we" couldn't be happier!"

And like 2 years ago, Backstage Auctions once again has a fine selection of historic collectibles from Jourgensen 'private reserve', dating back to the 1980s. Between the leather jackets, coats, pants and boots, there is enough DNA to make collectors excited. Like these boots for example, if you ever wanted to know what it is to walk in Jourgensen's footsteps:

Al Jourgensens  1980s Combat Boots

Or - if you want to go even more exclusive - you can 'speed-pick' your way through any Ministry song with this one-of-only-6 made Schechter Coffin guitars;

Al Jourgensens Custom Made
Schechter Coffin Guitar

Al Jourgensen's Coffin Guitar - Signed by Al

Something a little smaller perhaps - we've got that as well, such as Al's personal laminated tour from the "C-U-LaTour" farewell tour:

Al Jourgensen's personal laminate from
the C-U-LaTour Farewell Tour

Either way, Ministry fans and collectors can pick and choose from an impressive offering of awesome Al Jourgensen and Ministry swag that, very much like Uncle Al, is only getting better with age!

Be sure to check out all of Al Jourgensen's relics featured in the auction by simply typing AJO in the Auction Search Box. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity, personally signed by Al.

The online auction, starts April 21, 2012 and will run through April 29, 2012. A special VIP All Access preview of the entire auction catalog will be available beginning Saturday, April 14^th.

For more information and to get your VIP All Access pass for the event visit:  http://www.backstageauctions.com/catalog/auction.php